By clicking “ACCEPT”, you consent to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Unsupported
Open-route
racing
Around Berlin

A long-distance race series

REGISTRATION OPENS JAN 1ST
  • PROVISIONAL 2025 CALENDAR
BOOK ~300k

May 3rd
more on the format coming soon.

SEED ~400k

June 21st (summer solstice)
more on the format coming soon.

FAQ

How is this going to work?

1. Go join our club on Strava.
2. Fill out the registration form and pay your fee once we confirm your entry.
3. In the run up to each 'project' you will get a list of checkpoints. Your task is to efficiently ride from the start to each of these checkpoints and then back to the start. You can do this in any order you want.
4. At each checkpoint, including the start and the finish, take a time stamped photo of yourself and/or your bike. Record your whole ride with a GPS device.
5. When you are done, upload your ride with all of the time stamped checkpoint photos to your Strava profile. Make a dummy account if you don't use Strava.
6. We’ll post the results on this page ASAP.

What are the rules?

You’ll get a more extensive manual after registering but here are the basics.

1. No drafting (unless you’re riding in a pair).
2. No third-party support, resupply, or lodgings.
3. All forward travel overland must be human powered.
4. Leave no trace.
5. No riding without lights and a helmet.
6. No paying to sleep inside.
7. Be a good player.

Can I ride in a pair?

Yes, but you need to declare this at registration so we can take you out of contention for the solo GC. If you ride in a pair you can draft off of each other.

When will you release the checkpoints?

Shortly, before the event. You won’t have time to test your route, but you’ll have enough time to do some proper planning. There will be always be surprise checkpoints!

Will you save me if something goes wrong?

Unfortunately, no. We simply don’t have the resources to come help you. You’ll need to be prepared for any and all eventualities.

BE WARNED: Something will go wrong and this might be the most interesting part of your ride. You need to know how to adapt to these situations and the best way to do this is by repeatedly putting yourself out there in a reasonable way.

I am new to this. Should I still give it a try?

Absolutely! These projects are designed to be low risk, boundary-expanding, learning experiences. We want to empower people, and especially people who are underrepresented in ultra-cycling, to be able to just take off into the unknown on their bikes. We are doing this because long-distance cycling has changed our lives and we want to extend these experiences to others.

That being said, please do not underestimate how difficult it is going to be and make sure you are adequately prepared for anything that might go wrong. We are doing our best to organize knowledge-exchange events in the run-up period. We’ll let you know about these ASAP.

If you have any questions regarding getting started, just write us on one of our channels.

What if I need to scratch?

If you need to stop for any reason please inform us at bndryprjcts@gmail.com. Do not disappear without telling us!

How much does it cost?

There will be a sliding scale fee between 20-40 EUR per race. We're pretty sure this is the cheapest race in/around Berlin. If you can't afford the minimum amount write us and we will do our best to find a solution. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Are these races?

Absolutely not. In exchange for your fee we are providing you with a checkpoint design and you will be undertaking a trial entirely at your own accord. For more information on this see our terms and conditions.

ABOUT

We facilitate accessible bike-based transformative experiences. We come from a wide variety of cycling disciplines, but we are particularly inspired by the alleycat and ultra-cycling communities. We love DIY racing. We love making it up as we go along. We love stumbling into a mess and being forced to make it work.

Our projects are highly structured at the local level and weakly structured at the common level. We want the fastest and most skilled riders in the world lined up beside people who are utterly inexperienced. We genuinely believe that there is something in our projects for everyone.

We are inspired by the Racing Collective trials in the UK. Our shorter projects in particular are well suited to serve as a steppingstone to more outrageous adventures. When you’ve never ridden through the night, it’s hard to imagine ever being able to ride across Kyrgyzstan or Europe or traversing the Rocky Mountains. Everyone started somewhere. We want you to get started.

The world is an utter wreck. Riding extremely long distances isn’t going to change that. But what it could do is remind you of how surprising and deeply enchanting the universe can be. It has done that for us and maybe it will do that for you.